What are decomposers? List two consequences of their absence in an ecosystem.
What are decomposers? List two consequences of their absence in an ecosystem.
Decomposers are microorganisms, comprising bacteria and fungi, that break down the complex organic substances present in the dead remains and waste products of organisms into simple inorganic substances.
Two consequences of their absence in an ecosystem are:
- Accumulation of Waste: Dead plants, animals, and garbage would pile up in the environment as there would be no organisms to degrade them.
- Stoppage of Nutrient Cycling: The natural replenishment of the soil would not take place, meaning essential inorganic nutrients would not be returned to the soil to be used up once more by plants.
Marking Scheme
- 1{"points": 1.0, "description": "Defining decomposers as microorganisms (bacteria and fungi) that break down complex organic substances into simple inorganic substances."}
- 2{"points": 0.5, "description": "Stating the first consequence: Accumulation of dead remains, garbage, and organic waste in the environment."}
- 3{"points": 0.5, "description": "Stating the second consequence: Failure of natural replenishment of nutrients in the soil, preventing plants from reusing them."}
Hint
Recall what happens to dead leaves or animals over time, and think about how plants get their nutrients from the soil repeatedly.
Quick Oral Answer
Decomposers are microorganisms like bacteria and fungi that break down dead remains and waste products into simple inorganic substances. If they are absent, dead bodies and garbage will pile up, and the soil will lose its nutrients because natural recycling will stop.
Analysis & Explanation
As per the NCERT textbook, decomposers (bacteria and fungi) perform the critical ecological role of breaking down complex organic matter from dead remains and waste products into simple inorganic substances. These simple substances return to the soil and are reabsorbed by plants (producers) to sustain the food chain. In their absence, two major disruptions occur: first, dead organic matter and garbage accumulate indefinitely; second, the cycle of nutrients is broken because the natural replenishment of the soil stops, eventually starving the producers and halting the ecosystem's functioning.
Common Mistakes
- 1Confusing decomposers with scavengers (like vultures) which ingest dead matter but do not break it down chemically into inorganic nutrients.
- 2Omitting the chemical role of converting 'complex organic substances' into 'simple inorganic substances'.
- 3Failing to mention that the lack of soil replenishment directly impacts plant growth.
Interesting Facts
Without decomposers, the Earth's surface would be buried under layers of dead organic matter, and life would eventually cease as all essential elements like carbon and nitrogen would remain locked inside dead tissues.
Spotted a mistake or something unclear?
Tell us — we fix reported answers fast.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many marks does this question carry in CBSE Class 10 Science 2024?
This question carries 2 marks in the CBSE Class 10 Science 2024 examination.
Which chapter does this question come from in Science?
This question is from the chapter "Our Environment" in the CBSE Class 10 Science syllabus.
What topic does this question cover in Science?
This question covers the topic "Eco-system — What are its Components?" from CBSE Class 10 Science.
What type of question is this in the CBSE Class 10 Science 2024 paper?
This is a Very Short Answer question from Section B in the CBSE Class 10 Science 2024 paper.